10 Quick Tips About Boat Accident Lawyer
How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but If you're not careful, it could quickly turn dangerous. Just like cars, boats must follow strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.
If you have been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage. To increase your chances of winning you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney.
1. Gather Evidence
If you are involved in an accident while on a boat accident attorneys the first step is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. Also, seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. To support a claim, medical records and other evidence are needed. This includes current and future medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage as well as non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.
Photos and video footage can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence source since it gives details regarding the incident that could otherwise be ignored. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of what happened in the incident.
A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine who are responsible for victim's injuries and related expenses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident typically involves multiple parties that are liable, which includes the boat accident law firms's operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.
A reputable attorney can manage all communications between insurance providers and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims not say anything that could be used against them in a court of law and also aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.
2. Report a crime
If a boating accident happens, the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone is secure. The next step is to contact the local police department and make a report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you may have 48 hours to file a report in case of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file a claim if you're incapable of finding the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage.
If possible, you should stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or persons without risking your safety or that of the victim in danger. This will enable the police officer to keep track of crucial details like the manner in which the accident occurred and who was aboard at the time of the crash and the cause.
However, even the most well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the responsible party for your injuries, and assist you seek compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort and loss of quality of life, and emotional trauma associated with the incident.
3. Inspect the Damages
Once medical professionals have assessed the injuries of everyone and are in a safe area, it is important to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is the time to start considering your insurance policy and what it will cover.
A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate what you initially reported to the damage, and then begin to calculate the value of the damage.
It is impossible to control every single factor that can cause a boat crash. If there was a defect on the boat, you might be able to file a claim for product liability against the company who made the boat.
In these situations it is imperative to retain a lawyer that is familiar with handling boating claims as they can create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.
It is important to remember that different types of boats are covered differently by insurance policies. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically only covers small boats with engines below 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.
4. Contact an attorney
Notify your insurance company whenever you feel secure and have visited an emergency room for any injuries. Even if there is no police report, you'll still have to inform your insurance company. It is important to be aware of your personal information because insurance companies are often trying to try and assign blame for the incident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are paid. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.
It is a good thing to collect as all information you can about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the incident. Included in this data are their address, name, and telephone number as well as any insurance details. It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.
Boat accidents can be a nightmare and can cause serious injuries. They can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and damage. Anyone responsible for the injury must be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide you with the compensation you deserve willingly It is essential to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.